Jairam Thakur Criticizes Govt Move on RTI Exemption for Vigilance, Entry Tax Hike

Shimla, March 15: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has strongly criticized the state government over its decision to keep the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau outside the ambit of the Right to Information Act and for increasing entry tax on vehicles entering Himachal Pradesh.

In a press statement issued from Shimla, Thakur said excluding the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau from RTI weakens transparency and goes against the core objective of these institutions, which were created to investigate corruption and ensure accountability. He argued that under Section 24 of the RTI Act, even security and intelligence agencies must disclose information in cases related to corruption and human rights violations.

The Leader of Opposition questioned how the government could restrict access to information through an administrative order without following proper legal procedures. He claimed the move undermines a key mechanism that helps expose corruption and demanded that the government clarify the intent behind the decision.

Thakur also criticized the government for increasing entry tax on vehicles entering the state, calling it a “public-unfriendly and short-sighted decision.” He warned that neighboring **Punjab** may impose a similar tax on vehicles from Himachal, which could adversely affect residents who frequently travel to other states for work, education, or medical services.

He further stated that border districts such as Una, Kangra, Chamba, Bilaspur, Solan, and Sirmaur maintain strong social and economic ties with neighboring states, and the tax could impose an additional financial burden on residents. Thakur also expressed concern that higher entry taxes could discourage tourists from visiting Himachal Pradesh, potentially impacting the state’s tourism-based economy.